July 14, 1951 ~ Oct. 13, 2024
Steven “Steve” Edmund Cox, 73, passed away Oct. 13, 2024, at Pioneers Medical Center in Meeker, Colorado.
Steve was born July 14, 1951, in Hialeah, Florida, to Joan McFarlane and Rolland E. Cox. His mother passed away when he was young, and he was raised by his father and stepmother, Loretta Durden, whom he always referred to as his mother. After attending Hialeah High School, Steve joined the U.S. Army, graduating from Frankfurt American High School in 1972 while stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. He served as a field radio mechanic from 1972 to 1978 in the 3rd Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Division, in Budingen, Germany. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and was recognized as a “Cold War Warrior.” Steve’s patriotism endured throughout his life, and he was proud of his service in the Army.
In 1989, Steve met the love of his life, Denise “Dee” Cox. The two were married in August 1991 and were faithfully committed to each other for the rest of their lives. They moved to the Denver metro area of Colorado in 1994, where they discovered a love for the mountains, camping, and fishing. They also enjoyed raising small dogs, whom they called their “babies.” Steve worked as a network technician with Qwest Communications and retired in early 2007.
Following his retirement, Steve and Dee moved to Meeker, Colorado, where they settled into a historic cabin and embraced the mountain community. Seeking more to do, Steve worked as a custodian at Meeker High School for a couple of years. He joined the Masonic Lodge in Meeker in 2008 and was active in community projects and events, volunteering frequently at events like Range Call and the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials. Living in Meeker expanded his enthusiasm for the outdoors, and he spent much time gardening, driving up the White River, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling.
Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Denise “Dee” Cox; his mother, Joan McFarlane; and his father, Rolland E. Cox. Survivors include his son, Andrew Pinder of Carrollton, Georgia; stepmother, Loretta Durden of Melbourne, Florida; brothers, Rick Cox (Ellen) of Melbourne, Jim Cox of Melbourne, and Mark Cox of Blairsville, Georgia; granddaughter, Lexi Thurman (Matthew) of Carrollton; one great-granddaughter; many nieces and nephews; bonus family, Nick and Katie Wilson of Naples, Florida; and many beloved friends.
A joint memorial service for both Steve and Dee is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Masonic Lodge in Meeker, 364 7th St. All are welcome.
